21st Annual MYSTIC RIVER HERRING RUN AND PADDLE

On Saturday, May 20th more than 350 peopled celebrated the Mystic River and the returning river herring by running, walking, paddling, spectating and volunteering for the Mystic River Herring Run and Paddle. Thanks to all who participated as well as the race sponsors! Race finish photos are posted here. Overall event photos are posted here and here. Congratulations Iron Herring winner David Barlow!

We were joined by Bai Drinks, Cambridge Health Alliance, The Inventor Mentor, Artist Kari Percival, Gentle Giant Rowing Club, the MyRWA Policy Committee and Bike to the Sea. Thanks to Paddle Boston for coordinating the paddling component of the event. Thanks to the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation for their assistance. Food was generously donated by Starbucks, Dunkin' Donuts, Wegmans, Whole Foods Market of Medford and Dave's Fresh Pasta. Thanks to Eric Clement for designing the flyer and Tshirt.

RACE RESULTS

Did you know herring is a type of fish?

There are two types of herring in the Mystic River Watershed: Alewife Herring (Alosa pseudoharengus) and Blueback Herring (Alosa aestivalis). Herring spend their lives in the ocean except when they swim upstream to lay their eggs, or spawn, in rivers such as the Mystic River. The Mystic River Herring Run and Paddle celebrates the return of this anadromous species to the Mystic River each spring. In the past, millions of herring swam through the Mystic, but their numbers have dropped considerably due to offshore fishing, pollution and the building of dams on the river. But no matter what hurdles they face, the fish keep returning year after year. For the past 16 years, local residents have been running along the banks and paddling up the river to show their support of the river and the tenacious herring and alewives that call it home. MyRWA also runs a Herring Monitoring Program that counts the returning herring each spring.